Easy on the tummy and wallet too
Tasty Terengganu fare at affordable prices has customers coming back for more
KUALA TERENGGANU: A humble eatery here is so popular that one of its customers is even willing to fly in just for a meal.
Warung Kak Yah in Kuala Ibai is known not only for its generous spread of delicious local fare, but also its extremely reasonable prices.
For example, the grilled siakap (barramundi) is priced at only RM8 a fish, grilled kerisi (threadfin bream) at RM3.50 while other fish like mackerel, cencaru (torpedo scad), catfish and chicken dishes are sold at just RM3.
The 37-year-old owner, Kamariah Salleh, does not mind charging such low prices as she only wants more people to enjoy a hearty meal without worrying too much about the bill.
“I, myself, do not come from a rich family so I understand the desire for a good meal but at a cheaper price.
“I consider this as an act of charity,” said Kamariah, who prefers to be called Kak Yah.
“It’s okay to let the prices be a little on the low side, as long as it benefits a lot of people, particularly the middle class,” said the mother of six.
The cheap prices do not mean that the food is not good. In fact, it is so good that a customer is even willing to fly to Terengganu just to have lunch at Warung Kak Yah.
“I once had a customer from Kuala Lumpur who flew in just to
dine on the grilled fish he once had while on holiday in Terengganu.
“He came in on the morning flight and right after his meal, went straight back to the Sultan Mahmud Airport to return to KL.
“I was so flattered by his appreciation of the food here,” she said.
The reason her food tastes so good is because she only uses fresh ingredients, including the fish, which are sourced directly from local fishermen daily.
The eatery has been in operation since 2003 but until today, only four tables are available for customers.
This, however, does not deter business, particularly during school and public holidays.
Despite serving traditional Terengganu food that is typically enjoyed by the local Malays, Kamariah’s eatery, which has been featured on food shows, also draws customers from all races and backgrounds.
Civil servant Abdul Rahman Ali, 52, says he often comes to lunch at Warung Kak Yah because of the cheap prices.
“I came with eight friends and my bill came up to only RM48. I would have to fork out over RM100 had I dined elsewhere and taken the same dishes.
“Whenever I have relatives or friends from out of state coming over, I will bring them here.
“They can experience authentic traditional Terengganu food at an extremely affordable price,” he said.
Another customer, Ahmad Aizudin, 37, says the eatery serves the tastiest food in Terengganu at the cheapest price.
“Every time I upload a photo of the food served here on social media, my friends would be shocked at how cheap the food was.
“Everything is so expensive nowadays so it is no surprise how popular this eatery has become.
“I hope more food businesses would emulate Kak Yah and focus on the long-term gains,” he said. — Bernama